President Raeisi: Liberation of al-Quds is first issue

President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran considers defense as the legitimate right of all resistance groups and loudly supports resistance movements in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen and all Islamic countries.

"We believe that all those who think of resistance, defense of their land and protection of women, children and religion should be supported and encouraged anywhere in the world," he told ambassadors and charge d'affaires of Islamic countries in Tehran Thursday.

Speaking on the eve of the International Quds Day, Raeisi said the liberation of the occupied al-Quds is the first issue and the focus of mutual thinking, cooperation and companionship among Muslims.

He touched on the worldwide hatred of the enemies of the Palestinian nation, saying all indications point to a different Quds Day this year.

The International Quds Day, marked on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, features large-scale rallies and marches held each year to demonstrate unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their struggle against Israeli occupation.

"The Quds Day this year is not only related to Muslims, but also to all awakened consciences in the world and truly global," the president said.

The liberation of al-Quds, he said, is the axis that can unite all Muslims and one of the important secrets for the unity of Islamic countries.

Unity and integrity of Muslims is very important, emphasized by the Holy Qur'an, which can help stand against the global domination system and neutralize organized crimes against Islamic countries, the president added.

Muslims, President Raeisi said, should trust God and their own possessions instead of outside powers.

"Today, we have many assets in Islamic countries, and with unity and integrity, we can stand against the domination system. Resistance and standing is the recipe that has worked in the region and will work from now on."

The president said Iran considers the strengthening and authority of Islamic countries as its own strengthening and all Muslim countries.

"Also, we consider the smallest insecurity in any Islamic country as insecurity in all Islamic countries," he said.

"We like security, peace, tranquility and progress for all nations and countries and for the Islamic world. We believe that the cooperation and like-mindedness of Islamic countries can lead to growth, excellence and progress in Islamic countries," he added.

The president said cementing relations with neighbors is one of the main pillars of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran warmly welcomes the cooperation of all its neighbors and Islamic countries, and the priority of our foreign policy is to strengthen constructive interaction and promote common and mutual interests with Islamic countries."

Raeisi said the big problem of the region and Islamic countries is the meddling of outside powers.

"If it were to the Islamic countries, they could easily resolve inter-regional issues and even regional and extra-regional issues by exchanging opinions and understanding.

"Outsiders put their policies, views and interests before the interests of Islamic countries and never think about providing happiness and solving the problems of people and Islamic countries," he said.

"The base of the arrogant powers is on supremacy and domination over the region and Islamic countries so that these countries cannot do anything in line with their interests without their opinion and permission," he added.

Arrogant powers, President Raeisi said, see their interests in creating discord, spreading terrorism, hatred, and domination.

"This is while the interests of Islamic countries are in real cooperation and interaction with each other."

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir